Two for one Sale. Woo Hoo!

Taking both of my classes normally costs a total of $1150. (My basic memoir-writing course sells for $575. My advanced course costs the same amount.)

People who have taken these classes include newspaper columnists, TV news anchors, and people who work at publishing houses and big-name magazines. Without coming out and naming anyone personally, I will just say Entertainment Weekly, Outside Magazine, Simon & Schuster, Seal Press, Wiley, NBC and the New York Times. ​

For a limited time, take both of these classes for $80.

The only difference is that these classes are self-directed, meaning you won't get feedback on your assignments. But you'll get all the videos and lectures from both of these classes, a total of 16 lectures and 15 videos, packed full of all the information you need to write an amazing memoir.

Watch the video above for just one of the reasons to purchase Wendy's classes

I hate it when I get vague advice on my writing such as "You need to tell the story more slowly" or "You need to put me there with you more" or worst of all: "The story isn't quite working for me." What does any of this mean?

My way of teaching memoir writing is to guide you step by step so that you understand the principles of what it takes to write a great memoir.

Worried about structure? It begins by learning how to connect your scenes.

Confused about what makes for great prose? Be subjective and put us inside your head.

Want to know how to create a book filled with suspense? Give us a narrative want or make sure that something is at stake.

Hope to create memorable characters? Disregard conventional advice to make them three-dimensional.

In both of my self-guided courses, you'll receive a lecture and video each week plus an assignment to complete. The only way this differs from my $575 basic course is that you won't receive weekly feedback from me.

"Wendy is the best instructor I've had, bar none. She continually pushes you and never lets you settle for good enough. She is knowledgeable, patient, helpful, and has an excellent sense of humor! I would take a class again with her any time." - Sandra Carpenter

"Wendy is phenomenal! I've taken dozens of writing courses and completed an MFA in creative writing. Never have I received such useful instruction. I'm happy that I'll be starting her advanced course next week." - Mary Rowland

"Wendy exceeded my expectations. I was stunned by how much practical information I learned and by how much I grew as a writer. The class was, in a word, invaluable!" - Carly Van Thomme

"Wendy encourages her students to dig deeper – and the results show. I highly recommend her. She is insightful, conscientious, and supportive. I couldn't ask for more." - Michele Meek

"I was fortunate to work with Wendy during the early stages of my memoir when I was struggling when I lacked the confidence to continue. She helped me immeasurably by guiding me through the writing process with insight and kindness. Thanks to Wendy, I went on to complete my memoir and find a publisher." - Jill Stegman

advanced memoir writing

Week One: Scenes Are Your Building BlocksWithout scenes, you don't have plot. Make sure each of your scenes gives us a sense of time and place and includes and event.

Week Two: Connecting Your Scenes to Create Chapter StructureSometimes, using a mix of causality and a premise combined work to create the structure in your chapter.

Week Three: How to Use a ThreadA thread can work to connect the scenes in your chapter. Though use this option sparingly.

Week Four: Act I of Your MemoirDefine the first few chapters of your memoir and make sure that they all have the same overriding external want.

​Week Five: More Tips on Using ScenesAny time something happens in your book, you have to give us a scene. Sounds simple but this is one of the most common problems I find in my students' memoirs.

Week Six: Memoir is an Emotional JourneyLearn how to write about tough topics such as love, sex and emotional pain.

Week Eight: Ending Your BookYou don't always have to have a happy ending. But you do need a fulfilling ending. Doing this often means intersecting your internal search with your external search at the end of your book.